Are you searching for the best way to transport your wheelchair when you leave your home? One of the greatest freedoms for anyone who uses a wheelchair is to be able to leave their home and go where they want. You can equip your new or current vehicle to make it safe and simple to load and transport your mobility device. You need the assistance of an accessibility professional to help you determine the proper lift for your vehicle and unique mobility challenge. The model you need also depends on the weight of your wheelchair or scooter, and the weight load capacity of the Vehicle Lift. Here are a few available types of Vehicle Lifts which save back injuries and time:

Exterior Vehicle Lifts

The lifts that carry your wheelchair or scooter on the outside of your vehicle are helpful if you have a car as opposed to a larger vehicle, or if you need the space inside your vehicle for extra passengers or cargo. Select from Chariot or trailer type models that are pulled behind your vehicle or models which lift and hitch directly to the back of your vehicle.

Interior Vehicle Lifts

There are Hoist Vehicle Lifts which are installed inside your vehicle and swing out to lift your wheelchair or scooter and then swing it inside your van or SUV or Crossover. The Platform Interior Vehicle Lifts have a platform which is lowered out of the inside of your vehicle. The wheelchair is moved onto the platform and is then lifted inside. Most Interior Vehicle Lifts enable you to keep your second row seating in your vehicle. One of the benefits of having an interior Vehicle Lift is keeping it out of the weather when you transport it.

Pick up Vehicle Lift

There are some specialized lifts for your wheelchair to be lifted from the driver or passenger side up and into the bed of the pick up so you can go when you want.

Vehicle Ramps

Check out the variety of ramps which can be installed in your van to easily load and transport your wheelchair. You can also choose portable or foldable ramps which can easily be folded up and transported along with your wheelchair to be used at other places.

Transfer Seats for Vehicles

Some other choices to make it easier to access your vehicle are the Transfer Seats which include a Stow-Away model that stows away under your Van, truck, SUV or Crossover and swings out and up to help you transfer easily and safely from your wheelchair to the vehicle seat. The Valet Transfer Seat actually replaces your vehicle seat and the touch of a button causes it to swivel out and down to grant easy and safe access. These transfer seats are used in conjunction with your choice of Vehicle Lift.

Your local AccessNSM professional is dedicated to helping you find the right solutions.

We are honored to deliver thousands of new wheelchairs a year to people across the country at National Seating & Mobility. It’s important to us that you gain the most accessibility possible with your wheelchair. This could be the first wheelchair you or your loved one has, or perhaps you just updated to a more innovative model. Either way, there are four critical questions you should ask to ensure you get the optimal mobility from your new manual or powered wheelchair.

1. How will you get in and out of your home?

Stairs or changes in elevation are the biggest obstacle in your own home. There are some amazing solutions for both indoor and outdoor stairs. Wheelchair Ramps are one of the most widely used solutions. We have Ramps available in wood, heavy duty steel and lifetime aluminum. Wheelchair lifts are another solution. The Vertical Wheelchair Lifts are like small elevators. Inclined Platform Lifts carry a person in a wheelchair up and downstairs on a rail system. We even have simple solutions like threshold ramps for slight steps or rough thresholds, as well as Automatic Door Openers. Learn more about these possible ways to make it easier to get in and out of your home in a wheelchair.

2. How will you transfer in and out of your wheelchair?

It is important to make it safe and easy to get in and out of your wheelchair. Having the correct Patient Lift can give you more independence, make the transfer less stressful and time-consuming, and prevent serious injury to both the user and caregiver. There is a great selection of portable, overhead, bariatric, and hygiene lifts. Ask one of our accessibility professionals to help you find the perfect Patient Lift for your unique situation.

3. How will you manage your hygiene and bathing needs?

Most bathrooms are not designed with wheelchairs in mind. There are a host of solutions for making the smallest but most important room of your home safer, easier to use and more accessible without taking out a loan. One of our experienced professionals can consult with you to see if one of our many styles of Grab Bars, Overhead Lifts, Patient Lifts or Sliding Transfer Systems might be just the answer you need to safeguard against falls and lifting injuries while offering greater independence and privacy in the bathroom.

4. How to transport your wheelchair to activities outside your home?

Don’t limit your life to your home just because you use a wheelchair. There are lots of models of Vehicle lifts designed to make it as simple as pushing a button to lift and load your wheelchair in your new or existing van, SUV, car, or truck. Models are available to transport your wheelchair inside or outside your vehicle. We even have valet seating that lifts you up into the vehicle.

Contact your local AccessNSM professional who is dedicated to helping your find answers to all your mobility questions.

When it has become more difficult to transfer in or out of your vehicle, the Valet Seat is a perfect solution. Perhaps you have a special needs child who is growing and you are endangering your back by lifting, or you or your loved one needs assistance getting in or out of the vehicle. The Valet Seat can easily be installed in your new or existing car, SUV, van, or truck on the passenger or driver side. The touch of a button controls this beautiful powered seat which can swivel out and lower to grant safe exit or lift for entry for the driver or passenger. It can hold up to a 330 lb adult.

Your factory installed seat can be removed and stored untouched so it can be replaced when you are ready to sell your vehicle. You can even reinstall the Valet Seat in your next applicable vehicle. The power settings allow it to recline or slide forward or backward for more comfortable personalized seating. The Valet Seat has armrests and footrests and you can even add heated seats for extra comfort.

Choose from a variety of colors to match your vehicle interior. The Valet seating meets all safety standards including child safety codes. It can be matched with available vehicle lifts to make it easier to load wheelchairs and power scooters. Check into these available models of the Valet Seat:

Valet Plus

Get in and out of higher vehicles effortlessly. The Valet Plus seat rotates, extends and lowers to your individual needs.

Valet Limited

Your luxury ride begins even before entering your vehicle. The Premium Valet Limited offers more standard power features than any turning vehicle seat available. And the sleek appearance is second to none.

Valet LV

Rotate and slide your car seat. Get in and out of your sedan with ease with the Valet LV turning car seat. Featuring the comfort, durability and good looks of the Valet Signature Seating line, the Valet LV power rotates at a push of a button and manually slides beyond the door frame to make traveling easier than ever.

https://accessnsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Valet-Seat-Transfer-e1545065470299.jpg6301234AccessNSMhttps://accessnsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/AccessNSM-Logo-2.pngAccessNSM2018-12-17 10:57:392018-12-17 11:23:04Transfer Independently from Wheelchair to Vehicle with a Valet Seat

Are you overwhelmed by the choices of Vehicle Lifts for your wheelchair or Power Scooter? Let’s see if we can clear up some of the confusion. Exterior Lifts ride on the outside of your vehicle as opposed to inside. Some of the benefits of using an Exterior Vehicle Lift is that it can be mounted or pulled outside, leaving more room inside your automobile. It is usually less expensive since it doesn’t require installing extra wiring to your car. It is simple to use as you just roll your mobility device on, lock in place and use the control to lift in place. Let’s take a look at three different types of Exterior Vehicle Lifts:

Wheelchair Lifts For Cars or Sedans

Carry your own personal wheelchair or power scooter with you wherever you go. Just wheel onto the platform and your mobility device rises in place so you can pull it on a little trailer behind your car. The outside is hitched and pulled, leaving all the interior space of your vehicle free. These vehicle Lifts often can grant independent use in loading and unloading. Make it easy to take your wheelchair or scooter to the store, doctor or on a road trip. There is also a simple power lift to carry a folded manual wheelchair outside your car without breaking your back trying to get it in the trunk. Harmar and Bruno both offer models to carry your device outside your personal car.

Wheelchair Lifts For SUV or Crossover Vehicles

Keep all your passenger and cargo space by transporting your wheelchair or power scooter with the Out-Sider by Bruno. You can even add the available swing-away option so you can access the back cargo area even with the lift in use. It is as easy as wheeling on to the platform and pressing a button to lift in place. Then go where you want.

Wheelchair Lifts For Pickup Trucks

Harmar and Bruno both have vehicle lifts specifically designed for trucks. Truck Lifts have the power and flexibility to load and unload from the driver or passenger side, tailgate or curbside, standard or extended cab. There are models which can carry your device behind the pickup or in the bed of the pickup.

As always, it is very important to ask your accessibility professional to help you find the correct Vehicle lift for your personal vehicle, mobility device and to give you as much independence and accessibility as possible with your particular disability.

A vehicle lift for wheelchairs or scooters sure makes it easier to load and transport your mobility device with your personal vehicle. It can be one of your greatest accessibility tools since it opens up your world wherever you drive. When you begin looking for which type vehicle lift to get to transport your wheelchair or power scooter, there are some important points to take into consideration before making your final decision.

What Type of Vehicle do You Have?

The make and model of your new or existing vehicle is important when it comes to selecting the proper fit in a Wheelchair or Scooter Lift. There are quite a few models to choose from that can be correctly installed on vans, cars, SUV’s, Crossovers or pickup trucks. Some vehicle lifts for wheelchairs are for carrying your device inside and others are transported outside the vehicle. It is vital to know what type vehicle you have to determine the proper lift. In the case of new vehicle purchases, there are some grants available for certain disability modifications, depending on the manufacturer. So that is another consideration.

Do You Want to Transport Inside or Outside Your Vehicle?

There are benefits to both interior and exterior vehicle wheelchair lifts. A lift that carries your mobility device inside your vehicle is great for protecting from the weather. The indoor lifts are simple to operate. The person in the wheelchair or power scooter simply rolls onto the platform, then the lift is operated by a remote control to lift and store the wheelchair or scooter inside your van, SUV or Crossover. A lot of models leave second row seating open for passengers so you can take your wheelchair or scooter along with family and friends. There are even some models which leave room for third row seating but require folding up your wheelchair to take up less room. Exterior Vehicle Lifts for wheelchairs are usually platforms that allow the user to roll the device on, then it is lifted up and pulled by a hitch and trailer behind your vehicle. This is the best option for carrying more passengers and ease of loading and going.

Weight Capacity Considerations

It is vital to know the weight your wheelchair or power scooter to select a Vehicle lift model which can handle the weight of your device. Your accessibility professional can help you choose a vehicle lift that can handle the weight of your device. If you have more than one device (one for lightweight shopping and quick trips and another for heavier durability for rough terrain) choose a lift that can handle your heaviest wheelchair or scooter. It is also critical to choose a hitch for the exterior models that can the correct weight capacity.

Work With a Trained Professional to Select and Install the Appropriate Lift

There are so many products available on the market to help transport your mobility device. Working with a trained professional will ensure that you are provided the most appropriate lift for your car, truck, van or SUV. AccessNSM has dozens of branches across the country staffed with accessibility consultants, trained by the manufacturers of these lifts, and can assist you in accessing your situation for the most appropriate solution. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation, vehicle assessment.

AccessNSM is excited to be a provider of Bruno lifts for trucks. They have a wide variety of solutions to ensure adequate transport of your mobility scooter or power wheelchair via your truck. They also manufacture unique transfer systems allowing for easier transfers from your scooter or wheelchair into the vehicle. Check out the video below created by Bruno highlighting the various truck lift solutions that they provide as well as the additional product information details below. Please feel free to contact us about our vehicle lift solutions. We provide free vehicle evaluations to help you determine the most appropriate lift for your truck or vehicle.

Transcript and Supporting Product Page Resources

Bruno Stow-Away

Pickup owners rely on their trucks for the versatility to get any job done. If you or a loved one has mobility challenges, count on Bruno’s accessible seating and mobility device lifts to keep you trucking. Outfit your pickup with Bruno Stow-Away transfer seat to easily reach the truck cab. Hidden in a weather protected drawer, the Stow-Away is revealed at the press of a button and raises to your desired transfer height. Slide on to the Stow-Away and you’re in the perfect position to connect your wheelchair, scooter or power chair to Bruno’s rugged Outrider lift, designed specifically for pickup trucks.

Bruno Out-Rider

Press a button and the Out-Rider gently swings from the truck bed to the front cab. Connect the docking clip to your mobility device, press the control and the Outrider smoothly lifts, rotates and lowers a mobility device weighing up to 350 pounds, or 159 kilograms into the truck bed. When your mobility device is secure, continue raising the Stow-Away to the cab. Once you’re situated, press a button and the Stow-Away once again disappears.

Bruno Curb-Sider

In addition to the Outrider, Bruno’s popular Curb-Sider gives you another choice for lifting and loading mobility devices into a truck bed. Connect the docking device from the curb or bumper, press the control, and the Curb-Sider handles the rest. The Curb-Sider takes up a small amount of space, yet it’s heavy duty enough to lift scooters or power chairs weighing up to 400 pounds, or 181 kilograms.

Bruno Out-Sider

Want to preserve all your truck’s cargo space? Consider Bruno’s hitch mounted Out-Sider that carries a mobility device behind the truck. Drive a scooter or power chair onto the platform, press the control, and the Outsider lifts it into position for transport. The easy to use Out-Sider accommodates up to 350 pounds, or 159 kilograms. Add an optional swing-away to gain easy access to the tailgate.

Bruno Valet

Get into your truck cab in comfort with Bruno’s Valet Plus turning seat. At the press of a button, the luxury quality Valet Plus power rotates, extends and lowers. Take a seat and you’re raised into the cab in one smooth motion. Both Bruno’s Valet Plus and Stow-Away accessible seating options, and Outrider and Curb-Sider lifts can be installed on your truck’s driver or passenger side.

It’s also likely your Bruno accessible seating or mobility device lift can be reinstalled in your next pickup to insure long lasting value. Let Bruno’s accessible truck solutions help you keep the freedom and flexibility of the truck you love.

Approximately 53 million Americans live with a disability, and according to a recent study, the most common disability is associated with limited mobility. In the last post, we discussed some of the most common types of wheelchair ramps for stairs, vehicles, and entryways. However, it’s important to have a full understanding of each type of mobility ramp in order to make the best decision for your mobility needs. Here’s part two of our guide that will explore some other common types of wheelchair ramps.

Modular RampsModular ramps are a popular alternative to other types of fixed ramps because of the lack of maintenance required to keep them safe and operable. Unlike some other types of ramps, modular ramps also don’t require a builder’s permit to install. These semi-permanent ramps are constructed of sturdy aluminum and often come with handrails to optimize safety and user-friendliness.

Trifold RampsTrifold ramps are similar to suitcase ramps in the sense that they’re portable and easy to store. The main difference, however, is that trifold ramps close into three sections as opposed to simply folding in half. This means that a longer ramp can be folded and carried in the same amount of space. These ramps are typically ideal for vehicles or larger sets of stairs. Like many other types of ramps, they’re constructed of high-grade aluminum and are very durable. The average length of these ramps is between five and 10 feet.

Custom RampsSometimes, these common types of ramps aren’t quite suitable for certain unique circumstances and situations. In these cases, you may need a professional to design a custom ramp for your home, staircase, or vehicle. These ramps can be permanently installed and have optional handrails and other safety features. Commercial and industrial spaces sometimes need custom ramps in order to properly accommodate their business setups and ensure that they’re up to accessibility standards and handicap ramp specifications.

According to AARP and the National Conference of State Legislatures, 90% of people over the age of 65 want to live in their home as long as they can. Knowing the difference between the various types of mobility ramps can ensure maximum mobility for years to come. For more information about medical ramps, contact Access NSM.

Approximately 6.8 million Americans use assistive devices to aid their mobility. Some of the most common devices are wheelchairs and wheelchair ramps. However, there are a number of different wheelchair ramps with differing designs, functions, and features, and understanding the qualities of each type is the key to making an informed decision about your mobility needs. Here’s part one of our guide that will explore some of the many different types of wheelchair ramps.

Suitcase RampsSuitcase ramps are, much like their name implies, known for being portable. They’re lightweight and very compact — not to mention, they typically have all the durability of traditional wheelchair ramps. Suitcase ramps can easily fold up like a suitcase to simplify the storage and transportation processes while helping to provide full mobility. Plus, suitcase ramps are designed in a number of different sizes and can typically hold up to 800 pounds. Ideal for small stairways or larger sets of steps, these ramps are certainly among the most versatile wheelchair ramp styles.

Threshold RampsThreshold ramps are a small and compact type of ramp that certainly pack a punch. Since they’re not very high off of the ground, they may not seem to do much, but in reality, they make it exponentially easier for those with limited mobility to travel between indoor and outdoor areas using a wheelchair. They’re usually made of aluminum and come in various sizes. These ramps allow users to roll over any bumps easily and can fit against various door frames, sliding doors, and other raised landings.

Telescoping Track RampsFinally, telescoping track ramps are constructed of high-grade aluminum with a non-skid coating. These mobility ramps are designed to assist those with limited mobility with entering and exiting various vehicles. Although relatively easy to set up and use, these medical ramps can sometimes be a bit difficult to use, specifically when aligning the ramp’s tracks with the wheelchair’s wheels.

According to HomeAdvisor’s 2016 Aging in Place Report, home service professionals say the top aging-in-place projects they’ve been hired to do include installing grab bars (71%) and adding entryway wheelchair ramps (54%). Understanding the many types of wheelchair ramps for stairs, vehicles, and entryways can help you make the best choices for your mobility needs. Keep an eye out for the next post, where we’ll discuss some other common types of wheelchair ramps.

Approximately 6.8 million Americans use assistive devices like a Drive ZooMe Scooter to aid their mobility. Wheelchair lifts for vans are just one product designed to improve mobility when entering and exiting vans and other vehicles. But before you invest in your own vehicle accessibility product, it’s important to know the facts and specifications to optimize ease of use and mobility. Here are just a few answers to common questions regarding wheelchair lifts for vans and other vehicles.

What are the main types of wheelchair lifts for vehicles?There are a few main categories of wheelchair lifts intended for vehicular use. Inside platform lifts work using a platform that lowers and raises the wheelchair or mobility scooter automatically and are intended mostly for side-entry vans, pickup truck beds, and rear cargo sections. Outside manual platforms are the same, except that they operate using a hand crank.

Inside boom lifts, on the other hand, operate using a device similar to a crane in order to safely load a wheelchair or mobility scooter into a side entry van or pickup truck bed area. When it comes down to it, it’s always best to consult a mobility expert in order to make sure your vehicle is compatible with any product you’re purchasing and your personal mobility needs. You can also use the input included in your accessibility product manufacturer’s information, which often contains accessibility standards for compatible products such as vehicle lifts.

Are there any accessories often purchased with wheelchair lifts for vans and other vehicles?Yes — you can enhance the use of your wheelchair lift by investing in one of the many products available to prolong its life and durability. Protective mats protect the wheelchair from objects that may bounce up from the roadway. Ratchet straps help ensure that the wheelchair or power scooter is securely strapped to the vehicle. Mobility covers provide further protection from the elements and wear and tear. One of the most useful accessories are battery packs, which can provide recharging capabilities for both your wheelchair or mobility scooter and the lift itself.

Ultimately, by 2030, older adults (seniors) will account for roughly 20% of the U.S. population, and knowing the answers to these common questions can help you make the most informed decision for those with mobility needs.

If you or someone you know uses a van to get around, it’s vital that you’ve got the right insurance policy. Van Insurance can be complicated, with many optional extras to choose from such as business usage that may not be relevant. For support choosing the right deal for you, be sure to look in to a company like one sure insurance who have policies specific to your needs.

According to the AARP and the National Conference of State Legislatures, 90% of people over the age of 65 want to live in their home as long as they can. While aging in place is extremely popular, it’s not always practical. That is, unless the right steps are taken to prepare a home for seniors with mobility challenges.

And while there are many assistive devices designed to aid mobility, wheelchair lifts are some of the most useful and versatile in helping people with limited mobility get where they need to go and live a comfortable life. For seniors living in large or two-story homes, these lifts are especially important for making aging in place possible.

However, for transportation purposes, wheelchair vehicle lifts are also incredibly beneficial to maintaining quality of life. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the various types of wheelchair lifts for vehicles available today.

Exterior Wheelchair Lift Example

Outdside or Exterior Vehicle Lifts
Outside wheelchair vehicle lifts are used to secure a wheelchair to a vehicle’s exterior. It’s usually attached using a trailer hitch receiver so that it can be safely and securely transported from location to location. Exterior wheelchair lifts for vans and other vehicles are growing in popularity because they can be used with vehicles of almost any size. They’re also beneficial because they don’t take up valuable space inside of the vehicle itself.

Finally, it’s important to know that these outside vehicle lifts can be moved from vehicle to vehicle using a relatively short and simple process. It should also be noted that outside lifts are generally best for those who can stand for two to three minutes while the lift is operating. But once the wheelchair is strapped down and covered, moving it from place to place is made much easier.

Interior Scooter or Wheelchair Lift Example

Inside or Interior Lifts
Finally, interior lifts are cost efficient and improve mobility, although they are a bit more difficult to operate for some users. They’re similar to hybrid lifts, but instead of operating with the push of a button, indoor lifts swing outward in order to lift and load the wheelchair or scooter.

Check out the video playlist above of Harmar and Bruno scooter and wheelchair lifts that are available.

Ultimately, being able to differentiate between the benefits of outside lifts, hybrid lifts, and inside lifts can help you make the most informed decision regarding your mobility needs.

AccessNSM provides various types of the scooter and wheelchair lifts for cars, trucks, vans and SUVs, manufactured by Bruno and Harmar. Contact an AccessNSM branch today for a free evaluation.